Here we go again. Toshiba is blaming a Sony battery for a notebook that recently burst into flames. The fire occurred on May 24 and was later linked to a short circuit within the Sony battery pack. The computer maker said it would redouble its efforts to get customers to return the defective devices; Toshiba has had a recall program in place since late September 2006, when Sony launched a global replacement program. Toshiba is replacing batteries without charge.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has listed 16 reports of Sony lithium-ion notebook batteries overheating. Sony's first global recall of more than 10 million batteries came last year when power sources used in notebooks from several manufacturers began showing defects and overheating. It was the largest recall ever in the computer industry. While the recalls haven't affected the number of notebooks sold, a survey by IDC found that 15% of corporate buyers and consumers would change brands to avoid potential safety problems.